Meta is shifting its focus to refocus on its mobile app while also committing to continue supporting existing VR games for Horizon Worlds. Earlier this week, Meta had announced the VR app Horizon Worlds would no longer be available in virtual reality after June 15, causing concerns about its metaverse vision. However, CTO Andrew Bosworth announced that, based on user feedback, Meta has decided to maintain VR support for existing Horizon Worlds games, though no new games will be developed for VR. The Horizon Unity Runtime games will operate solely in VR, with efforts concentrated on the mobile version.
Originally launched in 2021, Horizon Worlds allows users to create and share games in a virtual space. It was initially accessible only through VR headsets like the Meta Quest and Oculus Rift. Later, mobile and desktop versions were introduced in 2023.
Meta has acknowledged slow growth in the VR industry, which led to a strategic shift towards making Horizon Worlds a mobile-focused platform. Nevertheless, Bosworth remains optimistic about the metaverse’s future, distinguishing between VR and the metaverse, emphasizing that the metaverse isn’t limited to VR. Bosworth suggests VR isn’t essential for a metaverse but remains a crucial aspect, as many envision futuristic metaverse experiences offering immersive environments.
Despite investing heavily in the virtual reality sector, including layoffs in Reality Labs, Meta continues to pivot its strategy, as evidenced by this recent decision. The company, which changed its name from Facebook to Meta in 2021 to emphasize its metaverse ambitions, remains committed to future technology development.